Tomb - chest tomb

The National Monuments Service's description

In a niche in the NW angle of the church of the Franciscan friary (TS083-019003-). This late 16th/early 17th-century slab is not in its original position as it is currently placed as the side panel of an early 16th-century Butler effigial tomb (TS083-019086-). The effigial tomb was placed at this location in the late 19th century (Shee and Watson 1975, 31) and it is likely that the chest tomb was also placed in its current position then. The side panel consists of two panels, possibly from the same tomb as the both share a similar geometric frieze running along the top of the panel and separated from the lower carvings by a projecting rope moulding. The smaller dexter panel, possibly originally an end panel, has a carving of Our Lady of Pity with her arms outstretched and a dagger piercing her breast, the crucified Christ lies across her lap. Our Lady is framed on either side by a vase containing a profusion of flowers and foliage which in turn is flanked by pillars. This small panel was noted in the OS letters in 1840 at which time it was leaning against the external S wall of the church (O'Flanagan 1930, vol. 3, 71 (214)). The larger panel is decorated with instruments of the Passion beneath the rope moulding. Centrally placed in this panel there is a simple cross surmounted by the inscription 'INRI' with the hands and feet of the crucified Christ on either side and on the sinister side a heart pierced by three nails. The cross arms have a sun on the dexter side and a moon on the sinister side. Also on the dexter side are a torch (?), seamless garment, Peter's sword and the servant's ear. The scourging pillar surmounted by a cock, a scourge and birch twigs and a jug and ewer. On the sinister side there is a sceptre of reeds, a spear, a ladder, a sponge on a stick, a hammer, a purse, a crown of thorns, a pincers and a lantern.

Compiled by: Jean Farrelly

Date of upload: 9 January 2012.

References

Shee, E. and Watson, S. J. 1975 Clonmel: an architectural guide. Dublin. An Taisce.

O'Flanagan, Rev. M. (Compiler) 1930 Letters containing information relative to the antiquities of the county of Tipperary collected during the progress of the Ordnance Survey in 1840. Bray.